25. Derek's Destiny

When Derek demands the truth, Destiny’s confession hits like a bomb—leaving him to wonder if he truly knows the woman he loves.

Author's Note: This chapter is too long to fit in the email format, and I don’t want you to miss a thing. To get the full experience, head over to my Substack and read the story in its entirety here.

TRIGGER WARNING:

This chapter contains mature themes, including emotional manipulation, explicit sexual content, power dynamics, discussions of past trauma, guilt, and references to violence. Reader discretion is advised. If any of these topics are sensitive or triggering for you, please proceed with caution or skip this chapter.

Are you new to this series? If so, tap below to start from the very beginning…

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DEREK

The party had stretched longer than expected, but the vibe was too good to kill. The DJ was spinning some heat, and I’d brought in one of my favorite caterers to put a spin on Destiny’s go-to Southern dishes—mac and cheese, fried chicken, collard greens, all elevated but still hitting like home. Eden had held it down with the decor, pulling off a whole floral situation that included Destiny’s favorite, peonies. Everything had to be perfect for my baby.

Destiny was all smiles, lost in a circle with her mama, cousins, and Eden, laughing and dancing like she didn’t have a care in the world. She looked so damn sweet, so carefree, but I wasn’t fooled. I’d been watching her all night, sitting in the cut with my drink, my eyes tracking her every move, trying to figure out what the hell this Arnold dude had on her that made her this damn scared. She’d been avoiding being alone with me, and I knew why. She didn’t want to tell me. Didn’t want to face it.

But that’s all I’d been thinking about—since the minute Keem pulled me aside after the Jubilee and told me what was really going down. Arnold. The photos. The threats. And some shit tied to her freedom. This wasn’t just some old ex popping up to stir trouble. Nah, this was bigger than that. Deeper. And that’s why Destiny had been acting so off when I initially thought we were just playing, trying to get her ready for another night of marathon sex. Only to find out she was protecting something. Hiding something.

I could deal with her having a past. I didn’t like it, but I wasn’t naive enough to think she hadn’t lived her life like I was while we were apart. What I couldn’t stomach was someone thinking they could use that against her, threaten her. That’s where Arnold crossed a line, and he was going to pay for it. But before I handled that, I needed to hear this secret from her. No more games. No more dodging.

“You just gon’ sit there staring like a damn weirdo, or you gon’ dance with your fiancée?” Ant’s voice broke through my thoughts as he sat down right in front of me, his big ass blocking my view of Destiny completely.

“Just got a lot on my mind,” I muttered, my eyes still fixed on Destiny, even though Ant had plopped his big self down in front of me.

“Yeah, well, you should…'bout to be a husband, and with the way I know you ain’t stayin' off that girl, probably a daddy in no time too,” he teased, his grin wide like he knew something I didn’t.

I couldn’t help it—I smiled like a damn fool, thinking back to the night I chucked Destiny’s birth control in the trash like I was shooting a game-winning three. But right now, she had me fucked up.

“I’mma head out soon,” Ant continued, like he could sense I wasn’t all the way there. “Gonna pack a plate for Angel, then bounce. You cool with that?”

I glanced at him, his voice pulling me back. My big brother, always solid. But I could see it in his eyes, the way his voice softened when he mentioned Angel.

“You got it so bad for her,” I said, shaking my head. “I wish you’d just tell her.”

Ant looked away, trying to brush it off like he always did, but I wasn’t letting him off the hook that easy. Not tonight.

“That speech you gave earlier was something else,” I said, shifting gears, trying to remind him of the words he laid out in front of everybody. “You said I’m teaching you about love, right? Well, then apply the lessons, big bro. Go get your woman.”

For a second, Ant’s face twisted, caught somewhere between pride and doubt. I knew that look. He wanted to, but something always held him back.

"Don’t wait too long, Ant. You never know what tomorrow brings. Trust me."

He glanced at me, and for once, I saw the weight of my words sink in. Maybe tonight he’d listen. Maybe.

“It ain’t the right time,” Ant muttered, shaking his head like he was trying to convince himself more than me.

“Shit ain’t never gon’ be perfect, Ant,” I shot back, leaning in, trying to make him hear me. “You waitin' for some magic moment? That don’t exist.”

He sighed, his shoulders heavy with the weight he was carrying. “Her son—”

“Little Derek will be fine,” I cut in, my voice firmer than I meant it to be. “We’re getting him the best care. He’s fighting, recovering just like the doctors said he would. And when he’s outta there, you’ll be right there for him, for both of ‘em. Don’t use this fucked-up situation as an excuse, man. You already showing her how much you care—taking care of Little Derek, being there for Angel like a full time job, with overtime.”

Ant’s jaw clenched, but I wasn’t letting up.

"Shit wasn’t ideal for me to come back to Juniper either,” I said, my voice low but carrying that weight I knew Ant would feel. “I dropped everything. Left millions on the table. I came back for Destiny, not even knowing if she’d slam the door in my face or cuss me out the second she saw me. Could’ve gone all the way left, could’ve blown up right in my face. But I took that risk anyway, ‘cause I knew what I wanted. I knew who I wanted.”

I nodded toward Destiny, where she stood across the room, surrounded by her family, her laugh carrying through the air, her smile brighter than any light in the place. She was the heart of it all, the reason the backyard felt alive. And I couldn’t help but feel it all—the risks, the sacrifices, everything I’d gambled to get her back.

“That’s what I got in return,” I murmured, my chest tightening as I watched her. "Look at her, man. Look at us. I took that leap, and now I got her back. I’m bout to marry the girl of my dreams. I couldn’t be happier, couldn't be more sure. So don’t talk to me about bad timing. You just gotta know what’s worth fighting for, even when the odds ain’t in your favor."

Ant followed my gaze to where Destiny was, and for a moment, I could see the walls he built start to crumble. He looked back at me, his eyes heavy with everything he was carrying, but somewhere in there, I saw a flicker of understanding. Maybe even a little hope.

"You falling for her, Ant. Don’t act like you ain't," I said, my voice steady but pressing. "And Angel? She’s feeling you too, man. You both been dancing around it, trying to keep things cool ‘cause of everything with Little Derrick. You think you don’t deserve to be happy when he’s fighting. But a blind man can see what's growing between y'all. It’s real, bro. Ain’t no shame in that. You better stop frontin' and see where it goes." I slapped his shoulder, a little harder than necessary, just to get the point across. "Go get your woman."

Ant shook his head, a smile pulling at his lips, but it was strained, like he was trying to laugh off the truth. But I saw through it. The weight was there, sitting on his chest, and he didn’t know how to move with it.

“I’ma talk to Angel,” he muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, like he was saying it more to himself than to me.

"Tonight," I shot back, leaning in, giving him no room to run from this. I wasn’t letting him slide, not this time.

He looked up at me, his chuckle low and dry, but the conflict was all in his eyes.

"You know you the little brother, right?" he said, shaking his head, his smile still there but fading. "Ain’t supposed to be tellin’ me what to do.”

“Nah,” I grinned, feeling that surge of confidence swell in my chest. “I’m pulling rank. I’m not askin’, I’m tellin’ you—handle your business, Ant. You don’t wanna wake up tomorrow regretting what you didn’t say.”

He looked at me, that big brother look still trying to front, but I saw the crack in his armor. He knew I wasn’t wrong, knew it was time.

Ant didn’t say a word, just reached over and dapped me up. That was his way of letting me know I got through to him. He gave me a small smile, then dipped out without saying another thing.

A few seconds later, Hakeem and Eden came sliding into the seats across from me, laughing and carrying on like two kids in the back of the bus.

“Happy asses,” I grumbled, trying to keep an eye on Destiny through the crowd. “Keem, move your big ass out the way. I’m tryna see my woman.”

“You talked to her yet?”, he asked over the music.

“You loud as hell,” I shot back, side-eyeing him. He was playing with fire, too damn casual about shit.

He sucked his teeth, brushing me off. “Don’t nobody know what I’m talkin’ ‘bout except me, you, and Eden.”

Eden giggled, and I narrowed my eyes, looking between the two of them, suspicion crawling up my spine. They were way too comfortable, too synced up. Something was off.

"The fuck wrong with y'all?" I asked, half-joking, but my eyes stayed sharp, reading the vibe between them. Something was up.

Eden smiled, her face glowing like she had a secret she couldn’t hold in.

“The party came out perfect, if I say so myself," she said, sounding a little shy, like she wasn’t sure if I’d approve.

I shook my head, smirking. “Eden, you killed it. We made a hell of a team,” I told her, meaning it.

There was something about Eden, something deeper than what I originally thought. The girl was tough—loyal. She’d put herself on the line for Destiny in ways most wouldn’t. Yeah, she got caught up in some shit, but she had a heart. That loyalty wasn’t something you overlooked. Eden needed to be protected, too.

Her face lit up, the shyness replaced with pride. “I appreciate that, Derek,” she said, her smile more confident now.

I gave her a nod. She was good with me.

“Aye, I’mma head out early,” Keem said, standing up and stretching. “Still tired from yesterday, and I wanna be well-rested for church tomorrow.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “Church?” I repeated, half-surprised, half-amused.

Eden’s smile widened, her whole face lighting up. “I asked Hakeem to church with me tomorrow,” she explained, her excitement clear. “And he said yes.”

I blinked, glancing between them, catching that unspoken energy flowing between the two of them. It was low-key, but it was there. Keem, tough-as-nails Keem, going to church? For Eden? That was something. He shrugged, looking sheepish, but there was something else in his eyes, like he was trying not to smile too hard.

“Lord, help us all,” I muttered, shaking my head, trying to process the fact that Hakeem, of all people, was heading to church.

“What you mean by that, Truth?” Hakeem shot me a side-eye, like he was daring me to say something stupid.

“I mean, I hope they got insurance on that church, ‘cause the second you walk in, the whole place might just spontaneously combust,” I deadpanned.

Eden’s eyes flashed as she grinned, unfazed. “He can come as he is,” she said, all serious, like she was saving a lost soul or something.

Keem nodded, puffing out his chest like he’d just been given a blessing from the Pope himself. “That’s right.”

I threw my hands up in surrender. “Okay, but don’t be surprised if the pastor sees you and brings out a fire extinguisher instead of holy water.”

Eden burst out laughing, “Stop it!”

Keem leaned in with a smirk, “Hey, the roof might hold up just fine, but I can’t make no promises about the windows.”

“You’ll be aight man,” I shot back, easing off him as I laughed. “Say a prayer for your boy.”

I didn’t see this coming, but when Hakeem told me how he snatched Eden out that club, I knew something was different. It was weird as hell, too. Keem wasn’t the type to catch feelings. He smashed and kept it moving, never one to get caught up in anything deeper than that. But this? Eden had him, no doubt about it. And the wildest part? I knew for a fact he hadn’t touched her yet. That was unheard of with Keem.

Juniper was changing us—taking me, Ant, and now Keem down one by one. This city had a way of wrapping you up in it, making you feel things you thought you’d left behind or buried deep. I’d bulldozed my way back into Destiny’s life, Ant was caught up in Angel and Little Derek, and now Keem, of all people, was getting pulled into something real with Eden.

It was like the place had a grip on us, one we couldn’t shake even if we wanted to.

“I’m out,” Hakeem said, his hand wrapped around Eden’s, making me do a double take. This dude was really holding her hand like that. I chuckled, dapping him up, still trying to process it.

“You kids be safe,” I smirked, knowing damn well I’d have to pull Keem aside later to really get into what the hell was going on. But now wasn’t the time.

As they bopped off, I caught Destiny’s eye across the backyard. I shook my head, knowing what she was doing. Stretching this party out, avoiding the inevitable. I knew her feet had to be killing her, but she was out there carrying on, pretending like we didn’t have unfinished business waiting for us the second we were alone.

Just as I was about to get up and pull her aside, my phone buzzed. E'Lana. The fuck? I stared at the screen, irritation bubbling up in my chest. We had nothing to talk about—nothing. I was about to be a married man, and the way I had Destiny folded up last night? Hell, I was hoping to be a father by this time next year if everything went my way.

I let the phone ring, watching her name and picture flash on the screen for a second longer before hitting block. Blocked her number, her socials, everything. Personal and work phones. Whatever she wanted to ask me—probably some dumb shit about the footage from last night, trying to see if the engagement rumors were true—I didn’t owe her a damn thing.

There was no need to speak to my past when all I cared about was my future. E'Lana would be fine. She wasn’t my problem anymore.

I slipped the phones back into my pocket and stood up, the frustration rolling off me. The only thing I was focused on now was getting Destiny back to the suite I’d booked for us—another surprise, so she could actually rest after everything she’d been putting in for the Jubilee. Well, rest until I got between her thighs again.

I pushed through the crowd, slipping behind her while she was laughing with one of her cousins. My arms slid around her waist, pulling her back into me. She melted into my touch, her body relaxing, but I could still feel that tension, the weight of whatever secret she was holding onto. She thought she could hide it, but she couldn’t hide shit from me.

“It’s time to go, Princess,” I whispered in her ear, my voice low and firm, leaving no room for argument. I wasn’t asking. This conversation was happening tonight. She stiffened for a second, then nodded, finally giving in.

Her little act was done. It was time to talk.

Destiny stiffened for a second, then sighed, leaning back into me like she was giving in but still trying to stall.

“Already?” she asked, a hint of playfulness in her voice.

“Yeah, already,” I said, tightening my grip just a little. “You’ve been running from me all night. We got some things to talk about.”

She turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting mine, and I saw it—fear mixed with something else, something deeper. She was trying to smile, trying to act like everything was cool, but I wasn’t buying it. I wasn’t about to let her keep dodging this conversation.

I leaned in closer, my lips brushing her ear. “I’m not letting this slide, Des. Whatever it is, we’re gonna deal with it. Tonight.”

Her shoulders dropped, and she sighed again, this time with less fight. She knew I wasn’t playing. Slowly, she nodded, and I felt the tension in her body melt just a little.

“Okay,” she whispered, finally giving in.

I kissed the side of her neck, lingering there for a moment before pulling back. “Good girl,” I said softly, and then I let her go.

I could see it in her face—she was tired. Tired of hiding whatever it was, tired of pretending like it wasn’t weighing her down. But there was also relief there, like she was finally ready to get this off her chest.

As we said our goodbyes to the rest of the party, Destiny stayed close, her hand gripping mine, her steps a little slower now, like she was trying to slow down time.

We slipped into the back of the chauffeured SUV, the hum of the engine barely cutting through the quiet between us. She leaned her head on my shoulder, but I could feel the tension radiating off her. She knew it too.

As soon as we got to the suite, I had set up for us, all the pretty distractions would fall away, and she’d have to face whatever she’d been holding back.

And I was ready for it.

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We stepped into the Presidential Suite of The Grand Westonberry, the door closing behind us with a soft click. The security team had done their sweep, making sure everything was tight, and now they stood stationed outside. I planned it this way—wanted to cool out here for a few days after the Jubilee instead of heading straight back to the house. The vibe of Destiny's place was home, but this? This was a different level. And she needed to start getting used to it. The game had changed, and five-star accommodations were about to be her new normal.

The suite was pure luxury, dripping with opulence from every angle. Gold accents lined the walls and ceiling, reflecting the city lights that stretched out beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. A plush sectional sat in the center of the room, sinking low like it was built for the kind of comfort that made you never want to get up. The chandelier overhead wasn’t just some basic light fixture—it was a statement piece, casting a soft glow over the space.

I watched Destiny as she moved around, her fingers brushing the smooth marble countertops, her eyes wide as she took in the sprawling cityscape outside the window. The view made you feel like you owned the whole damn world, and from where I stood, we did.

"You like it?" I asked, leaning against the wall, my eyes locked on her.

She nodded, her hesitation slipping through, even though her awe was clear. "Yeah, it’s beautiful... but I thought we were going home, I wasn’t prepared for an overnight stay."

I smirked. "Your glam team stocked you up on everything, Princess. There’s clothes, shoes, all your hair, skin, and makeup stuff waiting in the bathroom. If you need the ladies, they’re on standby. They work for you full time now."

Her eyes widened, and I could see the surprise hit her. "They work for me?"

I walked over, bringing her hand to my lips, kissing the engagement ring that glistened under the light.

"Yeah. You’re my fiancée now. This is how it’s gonna be. Parties, red carpets, charity events—your face is gonna be everywhere. And with that ring?" I chuckled, my voice dropping low. "You got a mansion worth of diamonds on that finger. Gotta keep you looking the part, and safe while we’re at it."

Her lips parted in shock, and I could feel the shift in her. This wasn’t just a one-night getaway. This was the life we were stepping into—together.

I kissed her forehead, pulling her closer into me. "You ready for that?" I asked, my voice low, but with that edge that let her know I was serious.

Destiny swallowed hard, and for a moment, I saw her let go of that last bit of hesitation. "I am," she whispered, and I felt her settle into my arms like she’d finally accepted it.

Good. Because this was just the beginning. I slipped my hands into my pockets, bracing myself for the pushback I knew was coming.

“By keeping you safe, I mean you’ll have security with you full time too,” I said, watching her face shift from surprise to something more serious.

“Security?” She blinked, like she hadn’t seen that coming. “Isn’t that something we should’ve talked about together?”

I shook my head, my tone calm but unyielding. “Nah, that’s a decision I made as your protector, knowing the life I’m taking you into. Outside of Juniper, it’s different. The world knows who I am. Now, they’re gonna know who you are, too.”

She took a step back, her eyes narrowing like she couldn’t believe this wasn’t up for discussion. And it wasn’t. I closed the space between us in two steps, my gaze never leaving hers, my words steady and low.

“I’m not taking any chances with you. If anything happens to you—if anybody brings harm your way—I’m sending them straight to hell. No hesitation.”

Her eyes widened, the reality of it all sinking in. She stayed quiet, trying to process everything I was laying down. She was tough, but she knew when I was serious. Dead serious.

“I’ll crash out about you every time, Destiny,” I continued, my voice softening but still loaded with intent. “That’s a promise. I’m not gonna pretend anymore like I won’t. I’ll just be smarter about it from here on out.”

I gave her that dangerous smile again, the kind that said I wasn’t playing. “You got security now. And we’ve got people who handle things when it gets messy.”

“I see,” she murmured, her voice soft but uncertain.

I nodded, my eyes steady on her. “Speaking of which, we’re gonna finish that conversation from earlier,” I said, guiding her gently toward the bedroom. I closed the door behind us, sealing off the rest of the world for a moment.

Destiny stood in front of the bed, her fingers fidgeting like they always did when she was caught in her own head. I could see it—the way her shoulders tensed, the way her eyes darted around like she was searching for a way out of the conversation. Poor baby was nervous, and the tension between us was thick, almost suffocating.

I didn’t rush her. I watched her, giving her a beat to breathe, then took a step closer, closing the distance.

“Destiny,” I said, my voice dropping low, steady, the way I knew would settle her. “You know you can tell me anything, right? No judgment. I’m not going anywhere. Ever.”

She didn’t look up right away, her fidgeting getting worse, but I wasn’t letting her run from this. I reached for her hand, lifting it gently, kissing the palm.

“No matter what it is, I’ve got you.”

She stared down at the floor, avoiding my gaze. That shit didn’t sit right with me. I lifted her chin with my fingers so her eyes met mine. Her hesitation, her fear—it was written all over her face, but I smiled, soft, trying to break through.

I pressed a kiss to her lips, then her neck, trailing warmth where my mouth touched her skin. She shivered, but I wasn’t just doing this to turn her on. I wanted her to feel how real this was, how deep it ran between us, how safe she was with me.

"My love for you is unconditional," I whispered between kisses, planting each one with purpose, trying to get her to loosen up, let go. “Ain’t nothing you can say, nothing you could do, that’ll change that. I love you, Des. Same way you love me.”

My hand brushed her cheek, wiping away the tear that hadn’t even fallen yet. She looked up at me, eyes full of fear and something else—something that tore at my chest.

“I just need you to tell me what it is Arnold thinks he’s got on you," I said, my voice low and calm, though inside I was anything but. "Not ‘cause I give a fuck what you did, but because I need to make it disappear.”

She swallowed hard, her eyes darting away from mine. "What about him? He’ll disappear too?" she asked in a whisper, voice cracking, tears threatening to spill over.

I tilted her chin back, forcing her to look at me, the truth heavy in the air between us.

“I don’t give a fuck about him,” I said, my tone darker, more raw than I intended. “If he’s gotta go away too, so be it. I’ll handle him. Ain’t no limits to what I’ll do to keep you safe. You know that.”

I wasn’t sugarcoating shit.

Destiny’s hands kept fidgeting, her fingers twisting together like they were trying to tie themselves in knots. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, like she didn’t know how to get the words out.

“I’m… I’m not sure what he knows,” she whispered, her voice shaky.

I didn’t say anything at first. Just smiled to myself as I turned her around slowly, my hands tracing her waist, then reaching up to unhook the top of her dress behind her neck. It slid down a little, exposing her shoulders, her back, but she stayed tense, her breaths coming in shallow gasps.

“What do you think he has on you?” I asked, my lips brushing against the back of her neck, soft but firm. “He said jail, Destiny.”

Her body shivered under my touch, but she wasn’t fighting it. I could feel the tension slowly melting out of her as I kissed her shoulders, unzipping her dress inch by inch. It pooled around her waist, and I pulled her back against me, her head falling onto my shoulder.

“How many jail-worthy things has my princess done that she can’t even figure out what someone could know?” I pushed a little, teasing, but my voice had an edge. My hands slid her dress all the way down, leaving her in a strapless bra and panties in the soft glow of the room.

Destiny’s body melted further into mine, but I could still feel the tightness in her muscles. She was fighting something, a battle waging in her mind, and I wasn’t gonna stop until she laid it all out for me. My hands slid down her arms, my lips pressed against the side of her neck, sending shivers through her, but I knew this was more than just desire. It was fear.

I let my lips hover near her ear. “Baby, I need you to trust me,” I whispered, my voice low, the kind of tone that demanded her to listen. “I need to know what’s hanging over you.”

She trembled in my arms, her hands gripping mine where they rested on her waist. Her breath hitched, and I could feel her pulse racing beneath my touch.

“There was… an accident,” she said finally, her voice so quiet I barely caught it.

I paused, my grip on her waist tightening just a bit.

“An accident?” I repeated, keeping my voice calm even though my mind was already racing, running through every possible scenario. “Tell me.”

Her breathing hitched again, and she swallowed hard. “I was young, Derek. It was… before you came back, college. I didn’t know what to do.”

Her words were coming out in a rush now, panic lacing her voice as if saying it out loud made it more real. My body stiffened behind her, but I kept my composure. She needed to get this out.

I kissed her shoulder again, trying to steady her. “Who got hurt, Destiny? And how bad?”

“I panicked,” she whispered, the tears finally falling as she broke down completely.

“Shh… it’s okay, baby. I got you,” I said, kissing her temple to reassure her.

She sobbed softly, her body shaking in my arms. “I didn’t know what else to do, Derek. I was so scared.”

“I know, Princess. I know.” I stroked her hair, holding her close. “But you ain’t gotta be scared anymore. I’m here, and nobody’s gonna touch you, nobody’s gonna come for you. I’ll make sure of it.”

She turned in my arms, looking up at me with tear-streaked cheeks. Her eyes were wide, vulnerable, and filled with fear.

“You won’t leave me?” she asked, her voice so small, so unsure.

I cupped her face, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “Leave you? Destiny, you’re mine, and I’m yours. Now and always.”

Her tears came slower. I kissed her forehead, then her nose, before pressing my lips to hers—slow, soft, like I was promising her something deeper than words.

"I'm gonna fix this," I whispered, my breath warm against her lips. "You don't need to worry about a thing. Just tell me what you did."

She nodded, her fingers clutching my shirt like I was the only thing keeping her from falling apart completely. I could feel the tension still running through her, but she was unraveling bit by bit, her walls crumbling. And I knew, in that moment, there was nothing I wouldn’t do to protect her. Whatever dark corners she thought she had to hide from me, I was ready to walk into them, ready to burn them down if I had to. For her.

“Derek, I…” Her voice broke, and the tears came harder again, her chest heaving as she tried to hold it all in.

I didn’t let her, though. I kissed her deep, taking her breath and giving her space to gather her thoughts.

“Tell Daddy,” I coaxed, my voice low, my hand slipping around the back of her neck, a gentle grip that let her know I had her. “Tell Daddy everything, Princess. I’ll make it go away. I’m not going anywhere.” My lips trailed down her neck, brushing the tender skin there as I unsnapped her bra with one hand, letting it fall to the floor like all the weight she'd been carrying. "Daddy will never leave you."

“Derek,” she sobbed, her voice breaking as she trembled against me.

I slid her panties down, helping her step out of them, never breaking contact, never letting her drift too far. Her skin was soft and warm under my hands as I held her close, naked in my arms under the soft glow of moonlight that slipped through the windows.

I kissed her again, slower this time, more deliberate. I wanted her to feel every ounce of my love for her in that moment. “I’m here, baby. Tell me everything. Let me take care of it. Let me take care of you.”

She rested her head on my chest, her breath shaky as she tried to form the words. But I wasn’t rushing her. I knew the storm she was battling inside, and I was right there, standing in the rain with her, ready to shield her from anything that tried to break her down.

I backed her against the wall, my hands firm on her hips, guiding her until her back pressed into the cool surface. She gasped, a mix of shock and surrender in her eyes. I dropped to my knees without a word, lifting one of her legs and draping it over my shoulder. Without hesitation, I slipped my tongue inside her, tasting her like she was the only thing keeping me alive.

“You’re mine, Destiny,” I growled against her, my voice low and possessive. “Mine. You understand me?”

Her sobs turned into something deeper, raw, as her hands tangled tighter in my locs, pulling me closer like I was her lifeline. She was breaking apart and holding on all at once, and I wasn’t letting her fall. Not now. Not ever.

"Nothing you say or do will change that," I whispered against her skin, my fingers moving in sync with my tongue, coaxing out the truth she kept locked away. I was working her body, but it was her soul I was after—pulling it from the shadows, making her feel safe in this storm.

"You hear me, baby?" I growled low, pushing her closer to that edge where everything would spill out.

"Yes," she choked out, her voice barely there, caught between her tears and the waves of pleasure rocking her. Her body trembled under my touch, vulnerable in a way only I could see, only I could handle.

I paused just long enough to make sure she was listening, my voice dark and firm. "No man walking this Earth should know something about you that I don’t. Ever."

I wasn’t just taking her body—I was pulling her pain out, piece by piece, drawing out every secret she’d buried deep, every fear that had her trapped. If I had to suck this confession out of her, to make her feel safe enough to finally lay it all bare, then so be it. Whatever it took. I wasn’t stopping until I got what I needed. We were getting through this together, no matter how far she’d buried herself under the weight of her guilt.

Her body trembled harder, her tears falling as she broke in my hands.

“I’m sorry, Derek, I’m—shit,” she cried, her words spilling out between gasps, her voice raw, her body tight with everything she was holding back.

I held on tighter, my fingers pressing deeper, my tongue relentless. “No more ‘sorry,’ Destiny. Just tell me everything.”

Her fingers tightened in my hair, and I could feel her giving in, surrendering everything to me, piece by piece. Destiny’s sobs deepened, her body giving way to the storm of emotions she’d held in for too long. I could feel it all—the fear, the shame, the weight of whatever it was she’d been carrying. And I was pulling it out of her, inch by inch, with every stroke of my fingers, every flick of my tongue. I wanted her to know I was here, that I wasn’t running from whatever she was about to confess.

“I—I didn’t mean to,” she gasped, her voice shaky, fragile. “I swear, Derek…”

Her words hung between us like heavy smoke. She needed to break. She needed to let it all go, so I pushed harder. Not just with words, but with everything I had. I could feel her unraveling, her defenses crumbling under my touch. Physically, emotionally—she was laid bare, and the weight of it was starting to crush her.

"Just say it," I growled, lips brushing her clit before I sucked hard.

She bucked, body trembling uncontrollably as I curled my fingers inside her, hitting that spot that always broke her wide open. There was no chance to recover, no space to hide.

"Why are you doing this?" she sobbed, tears streaming down her face, hands gripping my hair like she was trying to hang on. "Leave it alone, Derek. Please..."

"Can’t, baby," I rasped, still working her over, relentless. "Cause Eden’s in this mess too, trying to protect you. She’s been paying off a debt to keep your secret safe.”

Her whole body went still, shock rippling through her. “What?”

“They’re blackmailing you,” I growled, going harder, not letting her slip away. Her body trembled, legs shaky, but I held her steady, pushing her to the edge. “Trying to. This is bigger than you, Destiny. I need to protect you... and Eden.”

Her leg buckled beneath her, and I had to hold her up, my arms wrapping around her waist, steadying her as she fell apart in my hands.

“I know, baby,” I soothed, my voice low, dangerous. “You gotta let go for me. Let it out.”

Destiny's sobs grew louder, her body trembling as I held her against the wall, her leg still hooked over my shoulder. She was crumbling in my arms, both from the weight of her secret and from the way I was pushing her—forcing her to let go in more ways than one.

She gasped as I sucked harder, the pressure building between us like a storm about to break. Her fingers gripped my hair, and I felt her nails dig into my scalp, her desperation mixing with pleasure and guilt. She was teetering on the edge of both, and I wasn’t letting her off that cliff until she gave me everything.

“I—God, Derek...I can’t—” she whimpered, her voice trembling.

“Yeah, you can,” I growled, my voice rough, filled with heat and intent. “You gotta. You don’t have a choice. Tell me, Princess.”

Her hips jerked, and I felt her clench around my fingers as I hit her spot again, her body betraying her.

“I didn’t mean to,” she finally gasped, her words spilling out through her ragged breath. “It just... happened so fast.”

My fingers kept curling, my tongue kept working her, because this wasn’t just about hearing the truth. She needed to feel it, to let it break her, and I was going to make sure she did.

She moaned through her tears, her body shaking uncontrollably. “Fuuckkkk" Her breath hitched, her voice breaking. "But it was too late. I panicked... I didn’t know what to do. Oh God, I’m gonna —-”

She cried out, her entire body trembling as her release took her, the rush of it colliding with the flood of emotion she was trying so hard to hold back. I didn’t let up, didn’t pull away. Her sobs mixed with the moans as she collapsed against me, her tears slipping down her cheeks and onto my skin, but she still hadn’t given me what I needed.

I felt the frustration burning through me, settling deep in my chest like a weight, heavy and suffocating. I couldn’t stop now. I wouldn’t.

I slid my hands under her, lifting her leg off my shoulder with care, feeling the tremble in her muscles as I cradled her close. Her breath was ragged, broken, every sob echoing through me like a heartbeat. I could feel her desperation in the way she clung to me, fingers gripping tight like I was the only thing keeping her from falling apart completely. And maybe I was.

I carried her to the bed, laying her down slowly, watching as her eyes flickered between exhaustion and fear, her body still trembling. She looked at me, and I could see it—she holding on by a thread. I brushed a strand of hair from her face, my thumb lingering against her damp skin before I slid in beside her, pulling her shaking frame against me.

The truth she was too scared to face. I could feel it, right there, just beneath the surface.

Maybe I needed a different approach.

“You’re gonna make me spank you, Destiny,” I whispered, my lips brushing her ear, my voice low and steady, though my patience was wearing thin. "Is that what I have to do to get you to stop feeding me pieces? You’re holding back. You know it. I know it."

She whimpered, her breath still ragged, her body trembling as the weight of her confession hung in the air. The secret she’d been carrying, the guilt, it poured out of her like venom, and yet—despite everything—I could see the heat still coursing through her. She was turned on, even now, her thighs rubbing together, desperate for the friction, for the release she couldn’t quite reach on her own. She wanted more.

My brat wanted to be tamed.

Fine.

Without a word, I flipped her onto her stomach, her breath hitching at the sudden movement. Her body responded instantly, her back arching as I pulled her up to her knees. Her head hung low, her hair spilling over her face, while her hands gripped the sheets, knuckles white like she was bracing for what was coming.

She knew what I was about to do. She needed it. Needed me.

I leaned down, my lips brushing her ear, voice low and rough as I whispered, “You like that, don’t you, Princess? Even when you’re running from me, even when you’re scared... you still want me to take control.”

Her breath hitched, body trembling, and then came the words I knew were coming.

“Yes, please. I need it,” she begged, her voice barely above a whisper, thick with desperation and need.

I grinned, dark and full of intent, my hand tracing down her spine as I let the tension build.

"That's my girl," I growled, gripping her hips tighter. "But you don’t just need it—you crave it, don’t you? You need me to take everything from you. You want me to pull it all out of you."

“What I need is for this to stay buried,” she whispered, her voice trembling, barely holding it together. “You think you want the truth, Derek, but you don’t. You can’t. Once you know what I did... you’ll never look at me the same. You won’t want me anymore.”

“You’re mine,” I growled, my hand coming down hard on her ass, the sharp crack echoing through the room like a shot. “I love you more than anything, Destiny... but you’ve gotta trust me. Just talk to me. Give me what I need to know.”

She gasped, her body jolting from the impact, but the way she moaned afterward told me everything I needed to know.

She loved it.

I could feel the shift in the air, the way Destiny’s body responded to every word, every touch, even as she fought to hold back. She thought she could hide from me, thought she could keep whatever was eating her alive buried deep inside. But I knew her too well. Knew how to break through that wall she was trying so hard to keep up.

It wasn’t just about sex. It wasn’t just about the dominance pulsing through me. It was deeper, darker. The connection between us wasn’t something you could put into words—it was in the way her breath hitched when I whispered in her ear, the way her body tensed and melted at the same time. I could manipulate that fear, twist it with pleasure until she couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began. And I was going to, if that’s what it took to get her to open up.

She needed this. Needed me to take control. Needed to feel safe enough to let go.

I ran my hand down her spine, feeling the tension still coiling in her muscles, then gripped her hips, pulling her back against me. She moaned, the sound desperate, as her body arched even more, giving herself over to me.

I leaned down again, my lips brushing her ear, my breath hot against her skin. “I’m going to spank you until you understand,” I whispered, “that you can’t hide from me, that you can’t hold back.”

Her body quivered, her breath coming in sharp, shallow gasps as I brought my hand down again. Hard. And then again. Each slap was met with a cry of ecstasy, her body jerking forward only to push back against me.

“You’re shaking because you know you can’t hold back anymore,” I growled, bringing my hand down hard on her again. “I’m going to strip you of every secret you have, even if it breaks you.”

She gasped, her body trembling with the force of each slap, her moans thick with desperation. “I can’t fight anymore... but I’m scared,” she whimpered, her voice breaking.

I leaned down, my lips grazing her neck. “You don’t have to fight anymore. Give me everything, and I’ll make sure you never have to fear again.”

I wasn’t going to let up. Not until she gave me everything. Not until she was completely mine, body and soul.

“If this is how we’re playing it,” I muttered, my voice dipping lower, dark and heated, as I brought my hand down on her ass with a sharp crack that echoed through the room, a promise wrapped in the sting. “Then this is how we’ll play.”

She gasped, her body jolting beneath me, her sobs turning into soft, breathless moans. I traced my hand over the red imprint I’d left, soothing the heat with my palm, teasing the skin before landing another, harder. Her body arched, craving the mix of pain and pleasure.

“Being mine means you’ll never fear anyone or anything,” I growled, sliding two fingers inside her, her moans growing sweeter, more desperate. “Not even me, Princess... But you need to let go. Give me all of it—your fears, your pain, your secrets.” I leaned down, my lips brushing her ear as I pushed deeper. “I’ll take it all, baby... and I’ll never let you carry it alone again.”

“I didn’t mean to!” she finally screamed, her voice breaking, raw with guilt and pain. “It wasn’t supposed to happen like that. I swear—”

I stopped, leaning down, my lips brushing against her ear. “Then tell me. Don’t run from this, Destiny. You’re mine, and I protect what’s mine. But I can’t fix it if I don’t know what you did.”

Without warning, I slammed my length into her, deep and hard, bottoming out in one powerful stroke.

“Derek!” she cried out, her voice trembling, filled with pleasure and fear.

“Talk!” I growled, my palm coming down hard on her ass, each slap sending waves of heat through her as I thrust in and out, rough, just the way I knew she needed it. The sound of skin slapping skin filled the room, and I could feel her walls tightening around me, her body already begging to give in. But I wasn’t letting her off that easy. Not yet.

She was dripping, creaming all over me, and the sight of her like this—the way she reacted to every stroke, every smack—had me on the edge too. The fucking ice cream machine was in overdrive, and I knew she was close. Hell, I was too.

“Derek, I’m gonna cum!” she screamed, her voice trembling as she teetered on the brink.

“Tell me right now,” I commanded, spanking her again, hard enough to make her cry out. “Or I’ll stop. I’ll make you hold that nut for a week, don’t play with me.”

“I’m begging you,” she sobbed, her voice thick with desperation, her need consuming her. “I’ll tell you the truth... just don’t stop. Please, don’t stop.”

I leaned in, my lips brushing her ear, my breath hot against her skin, my hand firm on her hips, holding her exactly where I wanted her.

“Then I’m not stopping,” I growled, my voice low, dripping with control, “not until you give me everything I want.” I shifted, positioning her perfectly to hit her G spot with each thrust, knowing it would undo her completely.

I loved her. Loved her with an intensity that could turn violent if I let it. Sometimes it scared me, the depth of it, the way it consumed every inch of my being. But right now, that love was tangled up with something darker—raw, primal need. I needed more than her body. I needed her truth. The real her, stripped bare, no more hiding, no more lies. She thought she could bury it, whatever it was, but I wasn’t having it. I needed to own every piece of her—the good, the bad, and the secrets that kept her up at night.

My hands gripped her hips tighter, fingers digging into her skin as I slammed into her again. My breath came in sharp, ragged bursts, mind torn between the feel of her—the perfect way her body fit around me—and the burning questions gnawing at the edges of my thoughts. She was holding back, and I could feel it, like a weight pressing down on my chest. Each thrust was filled with frustration, with a simmering rage just beneath the surface.

She moaned, her hands clutching the sheets, her body reacting to me, arching, trembling with every move. It should’ve been enough. The way she melted under me, the way she clung to every sensation, it should’ve satisfied me. But it didn’t. Not when I knew there was more—something darker, something bigger than both of us.

“Derek, please...” she panted, her voice breaking. “It’s too much... you’re not playing fair.”

I smirked against her skin. “I’m not supposed to,” I whispered, my hand sliding down her body, sending shivers through her. “I’m too much now? Or just enough?" I chuckled darkly, letting my hands roam over her trembling body. "You think I don’t see it? You’re not scared of me. You’re scared of letting go... but I need you to, Princess. I need all of you."

She shivered, her breath catching again. "I can’t... it’s... it’s too—"

"You can," I cut her off, my tone sharp, leaving no room for argument. "You will. ‘Cause no matter how bad it is, no matter what you think you did, I’ll be the one to handle it. I’ll carry it. But you gotta let me in first."

"I don’t want to lose you, Derek," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"You won’t," I said, leaning down to kiss her neck, my hand sliding up her spine, feeling her arch against me. "You couldn’t, even if you tried. I’m not going anywhere, but I need you to trust me. Trust that I’m not gonna let anything happen to you."

She stayed quiet, her breath coming in short gasps.

"Tell me, baby," I whispered, my lips brushing against her ear again. "Tell Daddy everything, so I can make it go away."

Her sob broke through the charged silence, raw and broken. "I— I didn’t mean to… I swear, Derek, I didn’t mean to—"

Her voice cracked, and then it all unraveled. She shattered in my arms, her body convulsing, shaking under me as she screamed, her release exploding in messy, uncontrollable waves. She was gushing everywhere, soaking the sheets, her legs trembling with the force of it all. I felt her breaking apart as I kept driving into her, my teeth gritting as I spanked her again—harder this time—pushing her over that final edge, sending her spiraling, screaming for me. My fingers dug into the soft flesh of her ass, the sting of her climax fueling me as I lost myself in her completely.

I came immediately after, our bodies moving in a brutal, synchronized rhythm. One last thrust, deep and hard, the kind that felt like I touched her soul. I knew I hit something deep, felt it in my bones, felt it in her gasp.

I gripped her hips even tighter. Every inch of me pulsed with the need to keep going, no pause, no mercy. I wasn’t letting up—my dick still rock-hard, relentless, ready to break her down, knowing neither of us were getting any recovery tonight.

She’s not just scared of telling me the truth—she’s scared of what I’ll do when I know it.

“Now, Destiny,” I growled, my voice rough with need and anger. “I told you I’m not stopping, Princess. Give me that shit.”

But she didn’t give in right away. Instead, she groaned in frustration, and I could feel her slipping, trying to escape.

“I can’t, Derek… you won’t understand,” she whispered, her voice cracking with the weight of her secret. Her body arched as I thrust into her again, desperate for another release but holding back. I could feel it—both physically and emotionally. She was right there on the edge but couldn’t fall.

I leaned in, my lips brushing her ear. “Don’t make me stop,” I warned, the words low, dangerous, thick with promise. “I will. I’ll leave you shaking and aching for me until you’re begging to tell me everything.”

She whimpered, her fingers clutching the sheets even tighter. “It’s too much… Derek, I can’t,” she panted, her voice trembling with fear and desperation. “You don’t want this truth. You don’t.”

My frustration flared, but I kept control, my fingers digging into her hips as I pushed deeper, harder.

“You’re not getting out of this, baby. You’re mine. Mine.” The last word was a growl, dark and possessive, vibrating through my chest as I felt her body responding, trembling.

Still, she held back.

She’s afraid.

Afraid of me? No. Afraid of what I’ll think once she says it. But it’s too late for that now.

“You think you can hold this from me?” I whispered, my voice dangerous and soft as my hands slid up her body, gripping her tightly, pulling her back into me. “You think you can keep this secret and still be mine?”

“I... I don’t know how to tell you,” she gasped, her body shaking as her resistance crumbled. “Derek, please—don’t make me—”

I brought my hand down on her ass with a sharp crack that echoed in the room, the sound cutting through her words.

“Don’t make you what?” I growled, thrusting hard again, my patience wearing thin. “Don’t make you tell me the truth? Don’t make you trust me?”

Her sob broke the air, sharp and full of everything she was holding back. “I can’t lose you,” she cried, her voice breaking, her body shaking beneath me. “I can’t, Derek. You don’t know what I did... I can’t lose you if you find out.”

The words hit me harder than I expected, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t. Not now.

“You’ll never lose me,” I whispered, my voice a promise, rough with emotion. “But I can’t protect you if I don’t know what I’m up against. So stop running, Destiny.”

She hesitated again, her breath catching as her fingers dug into the sheets, white-knuckled, her body quivering.

“You don’t know what I’m capable of, Derek,” she whispered, her voice shaky, raw. “You don’t know... and once you do, you won’t want me.”

My hands gripped her hips tighter, fingers digging into her skin as I pulled her back against me, driving deeper, harder. Her body was trembling, her breath coming in sharp, ragged gasps as she tried to hold on, but I wasn’t giving her the choice. Not now.

“Derek,” she whimpered, her voice barely a whisper.

I could feel her walls clenching around me, desperate for another orgasm, but I wasn’t letting her have it. Not until she gave me what I wanted.

“You’re close,” I growled, my voice low, rough. “I can feel it. You’re right there, Princess. But you can’t cum again until you give me the truth. Until you give me everything.”

She was fighting it, but I could feel her breaking, feel the moment when her mind began to crumble under the pressure.

“I—” she stammered, her voice shaky, breathless, “I can’t... I can’t hold on...”

“You don’t have to,” I murmured, my lips brushing against her ear. “You don’t have to fight it. Just let go, baby. Let me take it all from you.”

Her sobs mixed with moans, her body tightening, the tension between us almost unbearable. We were both right there again, together, on the verge of breaking.

And then, it happened.

Her body shattered beneath me, a scream tearing from her throat as her release crashed through her, hard and violent, her walls tightening around me, pulsing in time with the sobs that wracked her body. Her cries echoed through the room, raw and unfiltered, a mix of pleasure and pain so intense, it left us both trembling.

But I didn’t let up. I wasn’t done. I kept driving into her, pushing her higher, deeper into that space where everything was stripped bare—her body, her mind, her soul. She couldn’t hide from me here. There was nowhere left to go.

Her walls clamped down around me, and the tension building inside me finally snapped. My release hit me hard, my body locking up as I spilled into her, groaning low and deep. The force of it knocked the air from my lungs, my body trembling with the intensity of it, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t.

Her sobs turned into something else, something deeper, as the truth finally tore free from her lips, raw and desperate.

That was it. The breaking point.

“There’s no safe word tonight, Destiny,” I warned, my voice a low growl as my hand cracked down hard on her ass again, the sound cutting through the room like a whip. “You don’t get to tap out. Not until you give me everything. I’ll push you ‘til there’s nothing left.”

Another spank—harder this time. She screamed, her body arching back on me, trembling.

"Give me your pain," I rasped, my breath hot against her ear. "Now. No more running."

And then it happened. Her voice tore through the air like a bullet.

“I killed him!” she screamed, the words hitting me like a freight train, her voice breaking as she collapsed onto the bed, her body limp, shaking, as if the truth had ripped her apart from the inside out.

The room went deathly still. My heart pounded in my ears as her confession hung in the air, thick and suffocating. I stood frozen, my hand still on her, words stuck in my throat, the heat between us evaporating in an instant.

“I... killed... him,” she whimpered, each word dragging like broken glass across her lips, sealing the truth she’d tried so hard to bury.

I stared down at her, my chest tight, a cold chill slicing through the fire in my veins.

The woman in my arms, the one I swore to protect, to love—she wasn’t just scared. She was a murderer?

What the actual fuck?

---

TO BE CONTINUED…